Natsu: ???
[Natsu-sensei: Next ti, don't buy it. I'm not used to driving this.]
"Sorry..."
Cynthia apologized, "I didn't think it through."
"But that's a bike equipped with a Rotom device."
Cynthia explained, "In towns where riding Pokémon isn't allowed, the Rotom Bike is much more convenient."
Natsu suddenly understood.
This was the [Important Item] every protagonist had in the gas—the Bike!
And in the eighth generation, the Bike was enhanced by Rotom… with speed rivaling a galloping Tauros.
But a bike with such special modifications wasn't cheap.
As a high-end custom bike, it was even more expensive than so sports cars…
[Cabbage Ice Cream: This is also… a thank-you gift for translating those research papers for last ti.]
Natsu stared at the ssage on the screen, his throat bobbing.
A thank-you gift? She could just marry him instead.
Who needs a bike?
But in this early spring chill, only Cynthia and Pokémon could bring a little warmth to Natsu-sensei.
[Natsu-sensei: When are you coming next? I'm already prepared.]
[Cabbage Ice Cream: Rest a little longer… You looked so tired last ti.]
Thanks to Sylveon's 「Yawn」 and Gengar's 「Hypnosis」, Natsu-sensei's biological clock was now set to "early to bed, early to rise."
A glass of Moomoo Milk before sleep, never carrying fatigue into the next day.
Staying up late gaming… was a bit too much for Natsu's elderly routine.
Natsu nodded cheerfully and replied, "No problem!"
...
After signing for the delivery, Natsu watched as the shipping container was unpacked layer by layer.
Finally, the rare packaging of the foldable bike was revealed.
Aside from the special electrical system that allowed Rotom to rge with it, the texture and finish were top-notch.
For travel, the bike was clearly more convenient than a car. (Wallace's amphibious sports car excluded; Gary's harem-mobile excluded.)
"Gengar?"
The little ones circled the bike, examining it curiously.
"Blastoise… ヾ(■_■)"
Blastoise released its aura, confirming there were no hidden bombs inside, then sighed in relief.
"Arcanine! (｀0｀)"
Arcanine bared its teeth at Rotom, furious.
Stealing housework was one thing, but now even transportation?!
Damn you, Rotom!
"System Overload, Rotom~ o(TヘTo)"
"Let's test it out."
Natsu swung his leg over the bike and pressed down on the pedals.
"Just rge with it, please. Thanks, Rotom!"
"Rotom~"
Rotom slipped into the bike, and as its new form took shape, blue electricity flickered around the wheels!
"Holy—!"
With just a light press on the pedal, the bike shot forward at insane speed.
The glowing bike wheels were so bright they nearly blinded Arcanine.
"Arcanine~!" Arcanine covered its eyes.
"Bike! So fast!"
Natsu's voice trailed off as the bike vanished down the road in an instant.
"Gengar! Σ(°△°|||)︴"
Gengar panicked, grabbing the little ones' Poké Balls and chasing after them with 「Agility」.
Wait for !
Ride recklessly, and Pokémon will cry!!
...
First Experience with Rotom · Bike Forms
It ended with smoking tires and two streaks of skid marks on the ground.
"Probably not a quality issue…"
Natsu executed a sharp drift, his foot planted firmly on the ground, hand gripping the brakes, and a subtle expression on his face
His own Rotom's electricity was too potent, overloading the system in an instant…
Even a Bike could screech from drifting.
No wonder the speed demons in the Pokémon world all rode Bikes!
Glancing at the dejected Rotom, Natsu reassured it:
"Don't worry, we can just replace the tires and keep going!"
"Roger that, Rotom!" Rotom instantly perked up.
A faint sense of unease crept into Natsu's mind:
"Back at School, are you sure you got all the proper licenses?"
Rotom puffed up proudly. "Planes, tanks, F1 racing… those are my specialties, Rotom!"
Natsu: "…"
What does that have to do with riding a Bike?! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
If it weren't for my expert driving, we would've failed miserably just now!
"Oh… Gengar, over here!" Natsu waved.
Behind him, a small, dark figure gasped for breath, swimming through the air in a freestyle motion to catch up.
"Gengar!"
Once it reached him, Gengar high-fived Natsu, looking utterly exhausted.
"Congratulations, you're this year's swimming champion!"
"Gengar~（`▽`)" Gengar instantly revived.
Natsu scanned the surroundings. "Seems like… we're not far from Rowan Research Institute now."
Fresh green sprouts lined the fields, swaying in the breeze.
In the distance, a Bidoof munched on a Berry, staring straight at Natsu.
"Gengar, let's stash the Bike in your pocket for now."
Natsu folded the Bike compactly.
"Gengar!" Gengar nodded smugly.
Piece of cake~
"Let's go."
Natsu clapped his hands.
"Ti to pay Professor Rowan a visit!"
…
Sandgem Town, Rowan Research Institute.
The stern-faced Professor Rowan stroked his mustache, deep in thought as he reviewed docunts.
A seasoned expert in the field of Evolution, Professor Rowan had ntored prodigies like Samuel Oak and Cynthia.
ticulous and unwavering, he trusted his judgnt—it was never wrong…
"Professor Rowan."
A Researcher interrupted softly. "There's a Trainer here to see you."
"Ah… the child from Pallet Town?" Professor Rowan mused, stroking his beard. He'd heard rumors.
The Researcher shook his head. "A Trainer from Touran. Also the Champion of the Kanto League."
A faint glimr lit up Professor Rowan's solemn eyes.
"Show him in—no, I'll greet him myself."
Watching the Professor rise, the Researcher looked stunned.
This level of courtesy was reserved for only a handful—Professor Oak, Cynthia, and a select few.
Without a doubt, Professor Rowan held this Trainer in exceptionally high regard!
"Unfair… How can soone so good-looking also be this talented?" the Researcher muttered.
Monts later.
Natsu grinned and waved. "Long ti no see, Professor Rowan!"
"Indeed, nearly half a year."
Professor Rowan nodded solemnly. "Congratulations on becoming Champion, Natsu!"
Natsu scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Well, it wasn't really my doing…"
"I understand."
A rare smile touched Professor Rowan's lips. "Valuing a Pokémon's own will is one of a Trainer's greatest virtues."
Natsu blinked.
That's how you interpret it?
Scholars really do have a way with words!
"Actually, Professor Rowan," Natsu coughed lightly. "I plan to stay in Sinnoh for a while, so I thought I'd drop by, say hello…"
Professor Rowan chuckled. "I figured as much!"
Samuel Oak had already ntioned it.
Ash was preparing for the Lily of the Valley Conference, and Natsu would arrive in Sinnoh soon.
Helping them both with Trainer registration was a trivial matter.
A question mark popped up over Natsu's head.
What exactly did you figure out?!
Professor Rowan had once invited Natsu to beco a Researcher, but Natsu hadn't been interested at the ti.
Now, however, the Professor didn't bring it up again, rely stroking his mustache.
"In that case… hand your Pokédex first."
"Huh? The Pokédex?"
"Yes. It needs an update with Sinnoh's regional data and procedures."
Natsu nodded, pulling out the Rotom Pokédex from his backpack and handing it over.
"Rotom!" Rotom erged from the device, electrical ions crackling around it.
"Professor Oak entrusted Rotom to you as well?" Professor Rowan remarked, slightly surprised.
"It's… a long story," Natsu sighed.
Professor Rowan nodded thoughtfully.
It seed Professor Oak's judgnt aligned with his own.
Moreover, he'd even given Natsu a Special Edition Pokédex.
Only those with both exceptional character and skill received such an honor from Professor Oak.
After a brief glance at Natsu, Professor Rowan smiled approvingly, inputting the necessary data into the Pokédex.
A few minutes later.
Natsu faintly heard a ding—a System notification.
"Here, your Pokédex is ready." Professor Rowan handed it back with a smile.
"Gengar!" Gengar hopped up, snatching the device with a toothy grin.
"You have a Pokémon that truly trusts you."
Professor Rowan's gaze softened as he observed Rotom, the curious Togepi peering around, and chuckled:
"No… you have many."
Natsu's expression froze for a split second.
"Professor Rowan, this registration process is for…?"
"Ah, it's the Sinnoh Trainer License. Professor Oak already inford you'd be competing in the Lily of the Valley Conference."
Professor Rowan stroked his beard. "With this, you can challenge Gyms and collect Badges!"
Natsu's smile stiffened, and he coughed abruptly.
The mont the registration finalized—
The long-dormant System flooded him with notifications.
Natsu-sensei was utterly baffled.
So today's knife was wielded by Professor Rowan?!
Professor Rowan, Professor Oak… you've dood !!
[Ding! Sinnoh Trainer License activated!]
[Ding! Major Quest detected: 'Sinnoh League'!]
[Objective: Sinnoh, a land of ancient ruins and legends, is a holy grail for researchers. As a Legendary Trainer, you can't afford to fall behind.]
[Objective: Win the gold award at the Canalave City Research Conference.]
[Major Quest Progress: (1/3)]
[Reward: Choice of any ga Stone* 1]
Fortunately… no "Collect Badges" side quest popped up this ti.
Even if Gengar soloed every Gym, it wouldn't matter.
As for the ga Stone reward—
Pretending he wouldn't pick Gengarite was pointless.
Natsu's mood was delicate.
Last ti he tried Blastoise's ga Evolution, it took him weeks to recover.
Given Gengar and my bond… wouldn't this drain completely?
Sorry, Gengar, but we're not ready for ga Evolution yet.
Let train for a few more years, build up my stamina first!
As for the quest's feasibility—
Natsu looked skyward.
Winning a research conference was far harder than collecting Badges.
Even if Natsu presented findings on Ancient Language,
outshining Professors like Oak and Rowan seed impossible.
Natsu smirked.
If I don't participate, how can the quest complete itself?
Gengar can challenge Gyms alone, but can it write my research papers too?
"Ha!" Natsu laughed brightly.
This is totally under control!
--------------------------------------
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